Daily
Peoria
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Trader Joe’s agreed to pay $7.4 million to eligible shoppers who used credit or debit cards between March 5 and July 19, 2019 as part of a settlement over alleged receipt printing violations. Claims must be submitted by June 9 & a new store is soon expected in Oswego. Peoria Journal Star
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Central Illinois Youth Symphony will celebrate its 60th anniversary with homecoming concerts on Sunday, May 3 at Five Points Washington. Alumni and current students will perform classic pieces and new compositions (including the 1812 Overture) in a special show for the community. WCBU
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Three girls from Greater Peoria earned the Girl Scout Gold Award after completing over 1,000 hours of community service. Keira Henneise, Neethra Venkatesh (grades 9-12) and Wren Davis led projects that improved local parks, water safety and nature conservation. WCBU
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents in Illinois may see a bright aurora borealis tonight if weather cooperates. Forecast predictions indicate the best view is between 4 p.m. Friday and 1 a.m. Saturday - local state parks and campgrounds are recommended for clearer skies. Pekin Daily Times
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Lawmakers have advanced several bills that may soon affect our local schools and services, including adding Latin Americans to history lessons and transferring childcare worker checks to a new department in 2027 - the measures now head to the Senate pending final approval and a governor's signature. WMBD
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Carle Health committed $8 million to upgrade Pekin Hospital, starting with demolition of unused South Towers + construction of a new cafeteria scheduled to be ready later this year. The project will also add infrastructure upgrades and enhanced greenspaces with full work set to complete mid-2027. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ Gift of Hope is celebrating National Donate Life Month by lighting the Murray Baker Bridge purple (April 16-23) to honor past donors and educate the community about organ and tissue donations. The organization partners with local churches to build trust and clear up common donor misconceptions. WCBU
- ➤ Carle Health began an $8 million renovation at its Pekin hospital, adding a cafe, green space improvements, and upgraded infrastructure (services were moved from the South Towers ahead of demolition). The cafe is expected to finish by mid-year with additional upgrades next year. WMBD
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Bob Ross Wet-on-Wet Oil Painting: Blue Ridge Falls
9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — Supplies included — Unleash your inner artist and create a serene mountain scene with expert guidance.
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Mushroom Fairy House Clay Hand Building Class
1:00 – 2:30 PM — The Clay Den — Registration fee applies — Create a whimsical mushroom fairy house in this enchanting clay hand-building class.
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Morning Grace Canvas Workshop
5:30-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — All supplies included — Capture the beauty of dawn with step-by-step painting instruction in a friendly environment.
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Fused Glass Ocean Wave Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Materials included — Create your own shimmering glass ocean wave piece in a fun, guided workshop.
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Busy Little Garden Canvas Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — All supplies included — Bring a cheerful garden to life with bright blooms and fuzzy little bees in this beginner-friendly canvas class.
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6 Week Wheel Throwing Class
6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $285 — Dive into the art of pottery with a hands-on wheel-throwing experience perfect for all skill levels.
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1st Friday May Celebration
5-9 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — Free entry — Explore diverse art, enjoy an artist talk and catch an avant-garde jazz performance.
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5th Annual Nun Run for Cancer
8-11 a.m. — RC Outfitters — Registration fee required — Celebrate community and hope in the fight against cancer at this inspiring race.
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Rage With Clay
1-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 — Unleash your creativity and stress in a fun and messy clay experience designed for beginners.
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Fused Glass Cross Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Costs vary — Create a stunning fused glass cross with personalized colors and floral details in a fun, beginner-friendly setting.
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A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music & Dance Sensation
Direct from Off-Broadway and starring former World Irish Dance champions from productions like Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, A Taste of Ireland is a high-energy celebration of Irish music, dance, and storytelling that brings Ireland’s history to life with wit and heart. Featuring live singing and dancing, reimagined Irish classics, and electrifying tap battles, the show blends tradition and modern flair into an unforgettable night of Celtic entertainment.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Energy and persistence conquer all things.
~ Benjamin Franklin
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